Vehicle Blamed for Sparking Cottonwood Gulch Fire Near Manhattan

A landowner’s vehicle is being blamed for accidentally sparking the Cottonwood Gulch Fire over the weekend.

The determination came after an investigation by the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office, which added in a press release Wednesday afternoon that no criminal charges were requested through the Gallatin County Attorney’s Office.

On Wednesday morning, the fire, which is burning north of Manhattan, was estimated at 8,300 acres and 80 percent containment. It has burned one outbuilding.

The fire began at around 11:15 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 11.

According to a press release from the Gallatin Media Center:

Crews will be continuing mop-up operations today assisted by one helicopter for bucket drops where needed. Smoke may be visible from unburned islands of fuel inside the fire line. Most resources will be released from the fire today and the fire will be in patrol status starting tomorrow. Four to five engine crews will be patrolling the fire on Thursday and Friday.